Systems and methods for mounting a fuel system

ABSTRACT

The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/795,821, filed on Jul. 9, 2015, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/057,816,filed on Oct. 18, 2013, which application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/716,470, filed on Oct. 19, 2012, allof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicles, such as natural-gas powered vehicles, typically require theuse of fuel tanks under certain pressure or temperature requirements.The fuel tanks can be mounted on the vehicle. Side-mounted compressedgas tanks are rigidly mounted to a vehicle chassis in a complicated andlengthy procedure that requires the removal of the vehicle from theassembly line. Such techniques for mounting a fuel systems onto vehiclesare often very time consuming and costly.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Recognized herein is the need for devices, systems and methods toimprove performance, decrease installation time and improve safety ofmounting fuel supply to a vehicle.

The invention provides devices, systems and methods for mounting a fuelsystem to a vehicle. Some embodiments provide systems and methods formounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis usinga bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to asa “drop and go” bracket.

An aspect of the invention is directed to a drop and go bracketcomprising: a first bracket portion configured to be attached to avehicle chassis; and a second bracket portion configured to be attachedto a vehicle fuel system, wherein the first bracket portion and thesecond bracket portion are configured to be engaged and connected to oneanother in a manner that (i) mounts the vehicle fuel system to thevehicle chassis and (ii) prevents substantial translation withoutrotation between the first bracket portion and the second bracketportion in a lateral direction and in a vertical direction without theaid of additional fasteners.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a vehicle fuel mountingsystem comprising: a first bracket portion attached to a vehiclechassis; and a second bracket portion attached to a vehicle fuel system,wherein the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion areconfigured to be engaged and interlock in order to mount the vehiclefuel system to the vehicle chassis without the aid of additionalfasteners.

Furthermore, aspects of the invention are directed to a method formounting a fuel system to a vehicle comprising: attaching a firstbracket portion to a vehicle chassis; attaching a second bracket portionto a vehicle fuel system; and attaching the second bracket portionattached to the vehicle fuel system to the first bracket portionattached to the vehicle by one or more of the following: (i) sliding apart of the first bracket portion into a cutout, indentation, or hole ofthe second bracket portion, or (ii) sliding a part of the second bracketportion into a cutout, indentation, or hole of the first bracketportion.

Other goals and advantages of the invention will be further appreciatedand understood when considered in conjunction with the followingdescription and accompanying drawings. While the following descriptionmay contain specific details describing particular embodiments of theinvention, this should not be construed as limitations to the scope ofthe invention but rather as an exemplification of preferableembodiments. For each aspect of the invention, many variations arepossible as suggested herein that are known to those of ordinary skillin the art. A variety of changes and modifications can be made withinthe scope of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a fuel system carried on board a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of a drop and go bracket.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a chassis bracket of a drop and gobracket.

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, FIG. 4D, FIG. 4E, FIG. 4F, and FIG.4G_schematically show a sequence of steps during engagement of a chassisbracket with a system bracket.

FIG. 5 is a photograph of mounting of a fuel system using a drop and gobracket and a lift assist device.

FIG. 6A shows a front perspective view of a fuel system bracket; FIG. 6Bshows a rear perspective view of the fuel system bracket; FIG. 6C showsa top view of the fuel system bracket; and FIG. 6D shows a rear view ofthe fuel system bracket.

FIG. 7A shows a front perspective view of a chassis bracket; FIG. 7Bshows a side view of the chassis bracket; FIG. 7C shows a rear view ofthe chassis bracket; and FIG. 7D shows a top view of the chassisbracket.

FIG. 8A shows a side-front perspective view of a fuel system bracketengaged with a chassis bracket; FIG. 8B shows a side view of the fuelsystem bracket engaged with the chassis bracket;

FIG. 8C shows a side view of the fuel system bracket engaged with thechassis bracket; FIG. 8D shows a front view of the fuel system bracketengaged with the chassis bracket; FIG. 8E shows a rear view of the fuelsystem bracket engaged with the chassis bracket; FIG. 8F shows a topview of the fuel system bracket engaged with the chassis bracket 850;FIG. 8G shows a side view of the separated fuel system bracket and thechassis bracket; and FIG. 8H shows a rear perspective view of theseparated fuel system bracket and the chassis bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system toa vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems andmethods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehiclechassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may bereferred to as a “drop and go” bracket. Various aspects of the inventiondescribed herein may be applied to any of the particular applicationsset forth below or in any other type of mounting and/or attachmentsetting. The invention may be applied as a standalone method or system,or as part of an integrated mounting and/or attachment system. It shallbe understood that different aspects of the invention can be appreciatedindividually, collectively, or in combination with each other.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a vehicle 100 with a fuel system 110 mountedthereon. A vehicle 100 may be any type of vehicle known in the art. Avehicle may be a truck, such as a light duty truck (e.g., class 1, class2 or class 3), medium duty truck (e.g., class 4, class 5 or class 6), orheavy-duty truck (e.g., class 7 or class 8). In some embodiments, thevehicles may be cars, wagons, vans, buses, high-occupancy vehicles, dumptrucks, tractor trailer trucks, transit, refuse or heavy-duty vehicles,or any other vehicles. The vehicle may have any weight. For example, thevehicle may weigh more than or equal to about 5000 lbs, 7,500 lbs,10,000 lbs, 12,500 lbs, 15,000 lbs, 17,500 lbs, 20,000 lbs, 22,500 lbs,25,000 lbs, 30,000 lbs, or 35,000 lbs.

The fuel system 110 may be mounted to the vehicle in variousconfigurations. For example, in a side-mount configuration, a fuelsystem 110 may be installed on the side of the vehicle frame rail (notshown). Fuel systems may be installed on one or both sides of thevehicle, providing, for example, standard fuel capacities, measured indiesel gallon equivalents (DGE), of 40 DGE, 60 DGE, 80 DGE, 100 DGE, or120 DGE or more. In another example, in a behind-the-cab configuration,a fuel system 110 may be installed behind the cab on the vehicle framerail, providing, for example, standard fuel capacities of 45 DGE, 60DGE, 75 DGE or 100 DGE. In a further example, in a roof mountconfiguration, a fuel system 110 may be installed on the roof of thevehicle body or in a custom integration, providing a wide range ofcustomizable fuel capacities. In an additional example, in afront-of-the-body configuration, a fuel system 110 may be installed infront of the vehicle body, providing, for example, standard fuelcapacities of 60-100 DGE. In some embodiments, mounting to the vehiclechassis may include, but is not be limited to, the vehicle frame rail.

A vehicle 100 may be propelled by a fuel, including, but not limited to,compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefiedpetroleum gas (LPG), Diesel fuel, gasoline, dimethyl ether (DME),methanol, ethanol, butanol, Fischer-Tropsch (FT) fuels, hydrogen orhydrogen-based gas, hythane, HCNG, syngas and/or other alternative fuelsor fuel blends. For example, natural gas in the form of CNG or LNG maybe an alternative fuel of choice for transit, refuse, and many otherheavy-duty vehicles.

The fuel may be stored as a compressed gas, as a liquefied gas or as aliquid under its own vapor pressure. The fuel may be stored in anon-board fuel system 110, comprising a fuel tank, vessel, or any othertype of device capable of containing a fuel in compressed gas, liquefiedgas or liquid form. Any description of a fuel tank herein may also beapplied to other types of fuel containing devices.

The fuel tank may be configured in accordance with the chosen fuelstorage mode. For example, compressed gases, such as CNG, may requirethat the fuel tank be outfitted with adequate high pressure components(e.g., high pressure seals, relief valves, compression devices), whereinhigh-strength and lightweight materials may allow CNG pressures up to,for example, 3,600 psig. In another example, liquefied gases, such asLNG, may require that the fuel tank be outfitted with adequateliquefaction components (e.g., coolers, liquid-vapor separators,insulation). LNG systems may operate at pressures of, for example, 0psig, 50 psig, 100 psig, 150 psig, 200 psig, 250 psig, 300 psig, or 350psig and temperatures of, for example, −259° F., −223° F., −200° F.,−186° F., −175° F., −167° F., −158° F., or −150° F., requiring the useof cryogenic (about −260° F.) piping systems and vacuum-insulatedstorage tanks.

In some embodiments, a vehicle 100 may contain a single fuel tank. Inother embodiments, the vehicle may contain a plurality of fuel tanks.The tanks may or may not have the same characteristics. The tanks may bemounted to any portion of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the tanksmay be mounted to a side of the vehicle. One, two, or more tanks may bemounted on a single side of the vehicle, or on each side of the vehicle.The side-mounted tanks may at least partially protrude from a sidesurface of the vehicle.

The one or more fuel tanks may provide storage for a predeterminedamount, or capacity, of fuel. For example, for natural gas measured indiesel/gasoline gallon equivalents (where 1 gasoline gallon equivalent(GGE)=standard cubic feet (SCF) of natural gas divided by 123, and 1diesel gallon equivalent (DGE)=standard cubic feet (SCF) of natural gasdivided by 139), the amount of fuel provided on board the vehicle maybe, for example, up to about 28 DGE, 45 DGE, 52 DGE, 60 DGE, 63 DGE, 70DGE, 75 DGE, 80 DGE, 88 DGE, 92 DGE, 140 DGE, 100 DGE, 105 DGE, 120 DGE,140 DGE, 160 DGE, 176 DGE, or more than 176 DGE.

The fuel tank may have any size and/or weight. For example, the fueltank may be larger than, smaller than, or about the same size as a 5gallon tank, 7 gallon tank, 10 gallon tank, 15 gallon tank, 20 gallontank, 25 gallon tank, 30 gallon tank, 40 gallon tank, 50 gallon tank, 70gallon tank, 90 gallon tank, 110 gallon tank, 130 gallon tank, 150gallon tanks, or 170 gallon tank. The fuel tank may weigh more than,less than, or equal to about 0.01 tons, 0.03 tons, 0.05 tons, 0.07 tons,0.1 tons, 0.2 tons, 0.3 tons, 0.5 tons, 0.7 tons, or 1.0 tons. Forexample, the fuel tanks may be of cylindrical form with dimensions(radius in inches×length in inches) of, for example, 25″×39″, 25″×61″,25″×80″, 25″×90″, 26″×80″, 26″×90″, 26″×120″, 26″×76″, 16″×80″, 21″×86″,16″×120″, 21″×70″, 21″×86″, and one or more cylinders may be combined toachieve a predetermined total fuel capacity.

The fuel system 110 may be capable of containing a fuel at apredetermined pressure. For example, the fuel system 110 may be capableof containing a fuel having a pressure of less than or equal to about10000 psig, 8000 psig, 7000 psig, 6500 psig, 6000 psig, 5500 psig, 5000psig, 4750 psig, 4500 psig, 4250 psig, 4000 psig, 3750 psig, 3500 psig,3250 psig, 3000 psig, 2750 psig, 2500 psig, 2000 psig, 1500 psig, 1000psig, 500 psig, 300 psig, 100 psig, or less. Optionally, the fuel systemmay be structurally capable of containing a fuel having a high pressurevalue, such as at least the pressure values described above.

In embodiments requiring cooling and/or insulation, such as in LNG fuelsystems, the fuel system components may be appropriately outfitted withinsulation, chillers and/or other components known in the art. Forexample, the fuel transfer lines and the fuel tank may be wound withinsulation.

The fuel system 110 may have one or more fuel outputs. The fuel outputmay transfer the fuel to another part of the vehicle 100, such as anengine. In one example, the fuel may be output to mix with air in thecylinder of an engine. The fuel may be used in the process of propellingthe vehicle. Further, the fuel system 110 may have one or more fuelinputs. The fuel inputs may transfer the fuel from an external fuelsupply to another part of the vehicle 100, such as the one or moreon-board fuel tanks.

The fuel system 110 may comprise one or more fuel tanks, fuel tank fillsystems, fuel distribution systems, electronic sensors and controlunits, and/or other components or subsystems, such as the devices,systems and methods provided in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/613,933 (“SMART COVERS”), filed Mar. 21, 2012, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The fuel system 110may be housed in a cover, which may be mounted to the vehicle, and mayserve to contain and protect the fuel tank and other fuel systemcomponents. The cover may be made of a variety of materials, including,but not limited to, metal or metal alloys (e.g., steel, iron, aluminum,titanium, copper, brass, nickel, silver, or any alloys or combinationsthereof), composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass), orpolymer materials. The cover may be made of a single material or maycomprise multiple pieces made of different materials. The fuel system110 may be partially housed in the cover. In some embodiments, one ormore components of the fuel system 110 may reside outside of the cover.For example, the fuel distribution system components may residepartially inside and partially outside of the cover, or fully outside(e.g., within the body of the vehicle) of the cover.

One or more fuel systems 110 may be provided on board the vehicle andmay be housed in a unified cover, in separate covers, or a combinationthereof. For example, multiple fuel tanks may be housed in one cover.Some fuel tanks may be provided in a common cover, while other fueltanks may be provided in separate covers. The fuel system 110 may berated at a predetermined pressure (e.g., 3600 psig). The cover may ormay not be configured to withstand explosion within the fuel system 110.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the fuel system 110 maybe mounted to the vehicle chassis, such as, for example, to the vehicleframe rail, using one or more drop and go brackets. The bracket(s) maybe fabricated from any material. In some instances, the bracket(s) mayinclude a metal or metal alloy including but not limited to steel, iron,aluminum, titanium, copper, brass, nickel, silver, or any alloys orcombinations thereof. In some instances, the bracket(s) may include acomposite material, such as carbon fiber, or fiberglass. The bracket(s)may include a polymer. Separate portions of each bracket, such as afirst bracket part and a second bracket part, may be formed from thesame material or from different materials. In some cases, the bracket(s)or parts thereof may be formed of a shock-absorbing material. Thebracket may be a multi-part bracket having two or more parts that may bejoined together. The parts of the bracket may be separably joined, ormay be permanently affixed to one another.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a drop and go bracket 220 with twoseparable bracket parts 221 and 222. The bracket 220 may be mounted to avehicle frame 201 on a vehicle chassis (e.g., on the side of a truck) ina configuration where the fuel system bracket 221 is attached to a fuelsystem (not shown) and the chassis bracket 222 is attached to the framerail 201. The chassis bracket 222 may include pins or interlocking(mating) features 224 that allow the bracket 220 to be installed on thechassis 201. A mating bracket, such as the fuel system bracket 221, maybe installed onto the fuel system (e.g., onto a CNG or LNG tank), andmay allow the brackets 221, 222 to easily and quickly assemble to eachother during mounting. During mounting, the bracket 221 on the fuelsystem or fuel tank may be connected to the chassis bracket 222 on thechassis 201 by bringing the fuel system bracket 221 together with thechassis bracket 222 such that their mating features engage. The bracketparts may be engaged in a timely manner without requiring any additionaladjustment, alignment, dislocation and/or relocation of the chassis 201,thus enabling bracket assembly and fuel system mounting directly on avehicle production line. The bracket 220 allows the fuel system toeasily drop in place in a go-ready configuration.

The bracket 220 may comprise various fasteners, connectors (e.g., nutsand bolts, screws), locks, snap fits, pins, interlocking (mating)features and/or other connecting and/or guiding members. These membersmay be used to mate and/or connect the bracket 222 to the chassis (e.g.,via one or more members 224) and/or the bracket 221 to the fuel system.After the engagement of the brackets 221 and 222, the members may beused to mate and/or connect the bracket 222 with the bracket 221 (e.g.,via one or more members 226), the bracket 221 to the chassis and/or thebracket 222 to the fuel system. Further, one or more members 225 may beprovided to connect a structural member (not shown) to the region 223 ofthe assembled bracket 220. The structural member may be, for example, asingle plate, or one or more additional brackets. The structural membermay be attached using any of the connecting and/or guiding membersherein. Springs, tension cords, elastics and or other variablecompression parts may be used to provide connecting means on the bracket220. In some cases, the members may be removably connected, such as, forexample, when using nuts and bolts. Alternatively, the members may bepermanently connected, such as, for example, when sealed by glue, heatseal or melting, soldering, brazing, deformation of mating featuresand/or other means. The connecting and/or guiding members may beprovided directly on the brackets 221, 222 (e.g., mating features).Separate connecting and/or guiding members may be provided to interfacewith connecting and/or guiding members on the brackets (e.g., a nut andbolt interfacing with apertures on the brackets).

In alternative embodiments of the invention, additional numbers ofbracket parts may be provided. For example, three, four, five, six ormore bracket parts may be provided. The bracket parts may engage and/orbe connected with each other using one or more of the connecting and/orguiding members described herein. The bracket parts may or may not beengaged/connected prior to mounting of the fuel system to the vehiclechassis. For example, at least two bracket parts may beengaged/connected while a third and a fourth bracket part may be engagedwith one or both of the preceding parts during mounting. In anotherexample, all bracket parts may be engaged/connected during mounting. Inyet another example, all but two parts (which may be composite parts)may be engaged/connected prior to mounting, and so forth in a variety ofother combinations.

Some embodiments of the invention may provide one or more means formounting the fuel system to the vehicle in addition to the drop and gobracket. For example, the drop and go bracket may be used to mount thefuel system to the vehicle on the production line. At a later time, thefuel system and the vehicle may be connected using additional connectorsand/or other brackets.

The connecting and/or guiding members may be formed from the samematerial as the rest of the bracket or from different materials. Forexample, one or more fasteners may be formed from a stronger steelmaterial than one or more of the bracket parts, which may be formed of adifferent steel material or of a more lightweight material such asaluminum or composite. One or more connecting and/or guiding members maybe formed of shock-absorbing material. In some instances, break-awaypins or other members may be formed of a more breakable material thanthe rest of the bracket. The break-away pins may be formed of a morebrittle material, weaker material, fatigued material, or may have anyother characteristic relative to the other bracket parts. The connectorsmay be designed to break upon impact. Systems and methods providedherein may be combined with or modified by other systems and methods,such as systems and methods provided in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/612,878 (“BREAK-AWAY BRACKET”), filed Mar. 19,2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a chassis bracket 322 of a drop and gobracket. The chassis bracket 322 may be integrally formed, formed of oneor more parts connected together in a permanent or removable fashionand/or a combination thereof. The chassis bracket may comprise variousconnecting and/or guiding members, such as, for example, members 324,325, 327 and 328. In one embodiment, the members 324 may be used tosecure the chassis bracket to a chassis using one or more nuts and boltsor other connecting and/or guiding members described herein. The members325 may be used to connect a plate (not shown) to the chassis bracket322 and a mating system bracket after the two have been engaged.Embodiments of the invention may only require the plate or portion to beconnected in a single location positioned in a top portion of theengaged brackets (e.g., region 223 in FIG. 2 ). For example, only a topbolted portion may be provided. Some embodiments of the invention may ormay not provide bolted or otherwise connected portion in multiplelocations.

Members 327, 328 may be provided to guide and/or interlock with matingmembers provided on the fuel system bracket. The groove 328 may vary inlength or profile to achieve a desired path of the mating components.For example, the circular member 327 may slidingly engage and asemicircular or ellipsoidal feature on the system bracket. The twomating features may slide into a position where they interlock. Inanother example, the groove member 328 may guide and engage with amating member, such as a pin, provided on the system bracket. The pinmay move in the groove 328 to an end position. In some cases, featuresmay be provided on the members 327, 328 and/or mating members on thesystem bracket to allow for the mating parts to click or interlock inplace in the end position. The interlock may be permanent or reversible.For example, the mating parts may interlock such that dislocation is notpossible without application of a predetermined amount of force.Embodiments of the invention may also provide mating features tocomplement each other to lock the brackets in place with respect to eachother. For example, engagement of the circular pin member 327 with amating member (e.g., circular cutout shape) on the system bracket mayrestrict the relative movement of the brackets such that when a matingmember (e.g., a pin) on the system bracket engages with groove member328, the brackets may not be movable with respect to each other than inone or more predetermined directions. Such mutual restraint may beparticularly beneficial in the end (fully engaged) positions of theguiding members.

The chassis bracket 322 may further comprise one or more structuralmembers 329. Such members may be integrally formed with one or moreparts of the chassis bracket, may be connected to the chassis bracket ora combination thereof. The structural member 329 may have afunctionality that lightweights the chassis bracket. For example, asshown in FIG. 3 , the structural members 329 may be a series of platesor steps. In another example, a honeycomb structure may be provided suchthat a lightweight but strong (e.g., impact resistant) structure isobtained. The member 329 may also be used as a connecting and/or guidingmember. For example, it may lock in with complementary features providedon the system bracket.

FIGS. 4A-G FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, FIG. 4D, FIG. 4E, FIG. 4F, andFIG. 4G schematically show a sequence of steps during engagement of achassis bracket 422 with a fuel system bracket 421. A close-tolerancefit of the brackets 421, 422 may be maintained by installation tooling.The fuel system bracket 421 may be mounted to a fuel system or fueltank, for example via surface 430, and may be moved in a directiontoward the chassis bracket 422 as shown. The chassis bracket 422 may bemounted to a vehicle chassis, for example via surface 431, and may bekept stationary during mounting. The bracket 421 may be moved in theindicated direction such that a member 432 (e.g., a pin) on bracket 421engages with bracket 422 along a surface 433. The bracket 421 maycontinue to move along surface 433 to a position where member 432encounters a groove member 428 (FIG. 4D). Meanwhile, cutout member 434on the bracket 421 may be brought in proximity of pin member 427 on thebracket 422 as a result of the movement of the bracket 421 toward thebracket 422.

Next, the member 432 may move or slide in the groove member 428 suchthat the two brackets are brought further together along multipledirections, as illustrated by the arrows in FIGS. FIG. 4E and FIG. 4F,bringing members 434 and 427 in closer proximity and alignment. As shownin FIG. 4F, when the member 432 approaches its end position within thegroove 428, the members 434 and 427 may engage. Further alignment andfinal positioning of the brackets may result in the configuration shownin FIG. 4G, wherein the member 432 has reached its final position withrespect to groove 428, and the cutout 434 has been situated on the pin427. As described elsewhere herein, engagement of the brackets 421, 422may not be limited to the members/surfaces 432, 433, 428 and 434, 427.

In some instances, a multi-point connection may be provided. Forexample, when the brackets 421, 422 are brought together, an upper pointof connection 432 and a lower point of connection 427 can be provided.Such multiple points of connection can provide additional stability tothe connection of the fuel system to the vehicle chassis. Any number orplacements of points of connection may be provided. In some instances,the connections may be provided via pin and cutout member asillustrated. Alternatively, any interlocking mechanism may be used toprovide connections.

Optionally, when the two parts are fully engaged, the weight of the fuelsystem may pull down the fuel system bracket 421. The brackets may beheld together via gravity. The interlocking features of the brackets mayprevent the brackets from substantially moving relative to one anotherin a lateral or up-and-down direction. In some instances, when the partsare engaged, the movement between the brackets will be restricted alongone, two or three axes of motion. For example, the brackets do notsubstantially move relative to one another in a purely lateral direction(e.g., fuel system toward or away from vehicle, or side shifting betweenthe fuel tank and the vehicle). Optionally, the brackets do notsubstantially move relative to one another in a purely verticaldirection (e.g., up and down relative to a surface upon which thevehicle rests). In some instances, a combination of motions in both alateral and vertical direction, rotation of one bracket relative toanother, or twisting may be required to separate the brackets onceengaged. Once the parts are engaged, an additional attachment mechanismmay be used to keep the brackets in place and prevent them from slippingapart.

Once the two parts engage, a top plate (not shown) may be bolted orotherwise fastened on a surface 423 so that the brackets 421 and 422 donot bounce up and out as indicated in FIG. 4G. Further, the variousconnecting members (e.g., nuts and bolts holding the body of thebrackets 421 and 422 together and not identical to the top plate) may beused to secure the brackets together. One or more other connectingmembers may be used prior to connecting the top plate, concurrently withconnecting the top plate and/or after connecting the top plate. In someembodiments, only the top plate may be used to secure the brackets,without requiring plates or connectors to be provided from any otherside or direction of the drop and go bracket.

The multi-part drop and go bracket configuration may permit a fuelsystem to be mounted onto a vehicle using very few distinct parts. Forexample, the brackets may already be mounted onto a fuel system andchassis respectively. The brackets may engage with one another. A topplate or other attachment mechanism may be used to secure the brackets.In some instances, only, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 separate piecesmay be used during the mounting of the fuel system to the vehicle.

FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6C, and FIG. 6D illustrate an alternative bracketdesign. A fuel system bracket 600 configured to attach to a vehicle fuelsystem is shown. The fuel system bracket may have a curved surface 602configured to engage or accommodate a curved surface of a fuel tank. Thefuel system bracket may also have a shaped surface 610 configured tocome into contact with a chassis bracket. The shaped surface may beprovided to be complementary to a profile of the chassis bracket. Thus,when the fuel system bracket is engaged with the chassis bracket, theside 612 of the bracket may lie flush against the surface to which thechassis bracket is attached.

The fuel system bracket 600 may have one or more interlocking featureconfigured to mate with one or more corresponding feature of the chassisbracket. For example, one or more holes 620 or indentations may beprovided. The fuel system bracket may have a top lip 622. The undersideof the top lip may be smooth or may include an overhanging feature thatmay be configured to hook over one or more feature from the chassisbracket. For example, a protrusion may be provided to be inserted intoan indentation or hole of the chassis bracket. The underside of the toplip or surface of the fuel system bracket may have an indentation orhole configured to accept a protrusion or other feature from the chassisbracket. The brackets may be configured to hook together.

A fuel system bracket may have an interior surface 645 capable ofcontacting and/or mating with a portion of the chassis bracket. Whenweighted with a vehicle fuel system, the fuel system bracket interiorsurface may rest against a surface of the chassis bracket and provideadditional support or stability. For example, a hole may be provided inthe interior surface that may align with a hole or protrusion of theportion of the chassis bracket. The interior surface may be slanted at anon-orthogonal angle relative to the vehicle chassis surface whenmounted.

The fuel system bracket may include one or more holes 630 or otherfeatures that may permit the fuel system bracket to be attached to avehicle fuel system. For example, one or more fastener or otherfastening techniques described elsewhere herein may be used to attachthe fuel system bracket to the vehicle fuel system. The fuel systembracket may be attached to the vehicle fuel system prior to beingengaged with a chassis bracket.

FIG. 6A shows a front perspective view of the fuel system bracket 600. Aside configured to interface with the fuel system 602 may be curved orconfigured to complement the shape of the fuel system cover or a fueltank.

FIG. 6B shows a rear perspective view of the fuel system bracket 600. Aside configured to interface with a chassis bracket 610 may be shaped tocomplement or accommodate the shape of the vehicle chassis bracket. Theside configured to interface with the chassis bracket may be oppositethe side configured to interface with the fuel system. An interiorsurface 645 may be integrally formed as part of the bracket. Theinterior resting surface may be provided as a ridge, solid piece, tab,or have any other configuration.

FIG. 6C shows a top view of the fuel system bracket 600. The fuel systembracket may have one or more features, such as holes 620 a, 620 b, 620c, 620 d, 620 e, indentations, or protrusions. The features 620 a, 620 bmay mate or interlock with corresponding features in a chassis bracket.The features may provide through holes 620 c, 620 d, 620 e inconjunction with the chassis bracket for through holes. The features mayhave different shapes and/or dimensions from one another or may havematching shapes and/or dimensions. For example, the interlockingfeatures may be substantially circular, elliptical, semi-circular,crescent shaped, rectangular, trapezoidal or have any other shape.

FIG. 6D shows a rear view of the fuel system bracket 600.

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, and FIG. 7D illustrate an alternative bracketdesign. A chassis bracket 700 configured to attach to a vehicle chassisis shown. The chassis bracket may have a flat surface 702 configured torest against a surface of a vehicle chassis. The chassis bracket mayalso have a shaped outer surface 710 configured to come into contactwith a fuel system bracket. The shaped surface 710 may engage with acomplementary shaped profile 610 of the fuel system bracket. Thus, whenthe fuel system bracket is engaged with the chassis bracket, asubstantially flat surface may be formed by the chassis bracket surface702 and the fuel system bracket 612.

The chassis bracket 700 may have one or more interlocking featureconfigured to mate with one or more corresponding feature of the fuelsystem bracket. For example, one or more protrusions 720 may beprovided. The chassis bracket may have a top surface 722. The topside ofthe top surface may be smooth or may include other features such asprotrusions, indentations or holes 724 that may be configured to matewith complementary portions of the fuel system bracket. For example, aprotrusion 720 may be provided to be inserted into an indentation orhole 620 of the fuel system bracket.

The chassis bracket may include one or more holes 730 or other featuresthat may permit the chassis bracket to be attached to a vehicle chassis.For example, one or more fastener or other fastening techniquesdescribed elsewhere herein may be used to attach the chassis bracket tothe vehicle chassis. The chassis bracket may be attached to the vehiclechassis prior to being engaged with a fuel system bracket.

FIG. 7A shows a front perspective view of the chassis bracket 700. Aside configured to interface with the fuel system bracket 712 may becurved or configured to complement the shape of the fuel system bracket.The chassis bracket may include a lower portion 715 that may beconfigured to contact or mate with an interior surface 645 of the fuelsystem bracket. The lower portion of the chassis bracket may be slantedto be non-orthogonal relative to the surface 702 configured to contactthe chassis.

FIG. 7B shows a side view of the chassis bracket 700. The chassisbracket may have one or more shaped features such as protrusions 720,holes, or indentations configured to mate with or interlock with afeature of the fuel system bracket. Optionally, the lower portion 715 ofthe chassis bracket may include one or more features, such asprotrusions, holes, or indentations. This may permit the lower portionof the chassis to mate with or interlock with an interior surface 645 ofthe fuel system bracket, and/or may provide an aligned through-hole witha through-hole of the fuel system bracket.

FIG. 7C shows a rear view of the chassis bracket 700. A rear surface 702of the chassis bracket may be configured to contact a vehicle chassis,frame, or other surface. The chassis bracket may include one or morethrough-holes 730 or other features that may permit the chassis bracketto be connected to the chassis.

FIG. 7D shows a top view of the chassis bracket 700. The top surface 722of the chassis bracket may be configured to contact an upper interiorsurface of the fuel system bracket. One or more protrusions (upper hook)720 of the chassis bracket may pass through a through-hole 620 a, 620 bof the fuel system bracket. One or more holes 724 of the chassis bracketmay be aligned with through-holes 620 c, 620 d, 620 e of the fuel systembracket. A fastener or other component may pass through the alignedthrough-holes.

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, FIG. 8E, FIG. 8F, FIG. 8G, and FIG.8H illustrate an example of a fuel system bracket 800 engaged with achassis bracket 850. The fuel system bracket may be configured to attachto a vehicle fuel system and the chassis bracket may be configured to avehicle chassis, frame, or surface.

The brackets 800, 850 may be attached by mechanically mating and/orinterlocking portions. In some instances, the brackets may be rotatedrelative to one another in order to engage. Once the brackets areengaged with one another, they may be substantially fixed relative toone another in a lateral and/or vertical direction. In some embodiments,once the brackets are engaged, they may not be movable relative to oneanother without rotating at least one of the brackets relative toanother around an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, once thebrackets are engaged, they may not be separable from one another via apurely translational motion.

In some embodiments, the fuel system bracket 800 may have an overhanginglip or extension 822. The top surface 862 of the chassis bracket 850 maycontact the underside of the overhanging lip or extension of the fuelsystem bracket. A portion of the chassis bracket may be inserted into aportion of the fuel system bracket. For example, some side walls of thefuel system bracket may surround or cover a portion 865 of the chassisbracket.

The fuel system bracket 800 may include one or more holes 820. The oneor more holes may be configured to accept one or more complementaryprotrusions 870 from the chassis bracket. The one or more protrusionsmay hook into the holes of the fuel system bracket and prevent the fuelsystem bracket 800 from moving laterally and/or vertically with respectto the chassis bracket 850. In alternative embodiments, the fuel systembracket may have one or more protrusions that may fit and/or hook intoone or more holes or indentation of a chassis bracket. The protrusionmay optionally pass completely through the hole. The protrusion may ormay not extend beyond the hole.

In some instances, a bottom surface 878 of the chassis bracket may beconfigured to contact with and/or engage with an interior surface 845 ofthe fuel system bracket. The bottom surface and the interior surface maybe parallel or substantially parallel to one another when engaged. Thebottom surface and/or interior surface may be slanted relative to thechassis bracket back surface 852. In some embodiments, the bottomsurface and/or the interior surface may be at a non-orthogonal anglerelative to the chassis bracket back surface. The bottom surface 878and/or the interior surface 845 being in contact may assist with keepingthe brackets engaged with one another and may serve as an additionalpoint of contact. In some embodiments, the bottom surface and/or theinterior surface may have through-holes. The through-holes may alignwhen the brackets are engaged with one another. In some instances, afastener may pass through the aligned through-holes. The fastener mayjust pass through the aligned through-holes and additional holes (e.g.,at the top surface of the fuel system bracket).

A back surface of the fuel system bracket 812 may be coplanar orsubstantially coplanar with a back surface of the chassis bracket 852.The back surface of the fuel system bracket and/or the back surface ofthe chassis bracket may be configured to contact and/or engage with avehicle chassis, frame, or surface. One or more through-holes 830 of thefuel system bracket and/or the chassis bracket may aid in the fasteningof the brackets to the vehicle chassis. Alternatively, the one or morethrough-holes of the fuel system bracket may aid in the fastening of thefuel system bracket 800 to the fuel system.

In some instances, one or more through-holes of the fuel system bracketand the chassis may align with one another. For example, an opening 840of the fuel system bracket may align with one, two or more holes 880 ofthe chassis bracket. Such alignment may occur in a lateral direction. Inanother example, one or more top openings of the fuel system bracket 820c, 820 d, 820 e may align with one or more top holes 875 of the chassisbracket. One or more fastener (e.g., screw, pin) may pass throughaligned holes. In examples, an additional top plate may be provided overthe top surfaces of the brackets 824, 862. The plate may be attached tothe brackets via one or more fasteners that may pass through the topplate and/or aligned top holes of the bracket. Alternatively, no topplate is needed and the fasteners may pass through the aligned top holesof the bracket.

The fuel system bracket 800 may have a curved surface 802 configured toengage with a vehicle fuel system. The curved system may contact or becomplementary in shape to a fuel system cover and/or fuel tank.

The brackets 800, 850 may be configured so that they can be attached tothe respective vehicle parts prior to being engaged. For example, fuelsystem bracket 800 may be attached to a vehicle fuel system. The chassisbracket 850 may be attached to the vehicle chassis. Such attachments mayoccur via fasteners passing through one or more through-holes 830, 880,adhesives, welding, soldering, interlocking mechanisms, rivets, or anyother fastening technique. The pre-fastened brackets may be brought intoengagement with one another. For example, a vehicle fuel system with anattached bracket may be lifted and mounted onto a vehicle chassis viaengagement of the fuel system bracket and the chassis bracket. In someinstances, a portion of the fuel system bracket may be lifted up over aportion of the chassis bracket and then brought down to settle on thechassis bracket with aid of gravity. In some instances, a combination ofa top mating feature (e.g., protrusion of one of the brackets beinginserted into an indentation or hole of the other bracket, and rearsurface 812 of the fuel system bracket resting against a surface, suchas a vehicle chassis, may keep the brackets engaged even withoutrequiring additional fasteners or attachment techniques. Once thebrackets are engaged, additional fasteners or attachment techniques maybe employed to keep the brackets together, and permit the fuel system toremain mounted on the vehicle, even when the vehicle is in motion.

FIG. 8A shows a side-front perspective view of a fuel system bracket 800engaged with a chassis bracket 850. The chassis bracket may be partiallyinserted into a portion of the fuel system bracket. Part of the chassisbracket may remain exposed. A backside 852 of the chassis bracket may besubstantially coplanar with bottom back surface of the fuel systembracket 812. A top surface 862 of the chassis bracket may be providedunder an upper surface 824 of the fuel system bracket. A lip 822 of thefuel system bracket may overly a portion of the top surface of thechassis bracket. The fuel system bracket may have one or more holes 820.Protrusions 870 of the chassis bracket may be inserted into one or moreof the holes.

FIG. 8B shows a side view of a fuel system bracket 800 engaged with achassis bracket 850. In some embodiments, a backside 852 of the chassisbracket and a bottom back side 812 of the fuel system bracket may beconfigured to contact a vehicle chassis. An upper back side 810 of thefuel system bracket may have a shape to accommodate a front side 860 ofthe chassis bracket. A gap may or may not be provided between the upperback side of the fuel system bracket and the front side of the chassisbracket.

FIG. 8C shows a side view of a fuel system bracket 800 engaged with achassis bracket 850 along with some indicators of overlap between thefuel system bracket and the chassis bracket. A portion of the chassisbracket 865 may be inserted into a portion of the fuel system bracket.Some portions of the side walls of the fuel system bracket may overlapsome portions of side walls 865 of the chassis bracket. A portion of thetop surface of the chassis bracket may pass beneath an upper surface ofthe fuel system bracket, and protrusions may be provided at the end ofthe top surface fo the chassis bracket. The protrusions 870 may passthrough one or more holes of the fuel system bracket. A lower surface878 of the chassis bracket may be inserted into an interior portion ofthe fuel system bracket.

FIG. 8D shows a front view of the fuel system bracket 800 engaged withthe chassis bracket 850. One or more through-hole 800 of the chassisbracket may be viewable and/or accessible via an opening 840 of the fuelsystem bracket. Optionally, a fastener or other object may pass throughthe opening and the through-holes.

FIG. 8E shows a rear view of the fuel system bracket 800 engaged withthe chassis bracket 850. An upper surface 824 of the fuel system bracketmay overlie the upper surface of the chassis bracket. This may assistwith permitting the fuel system bracket to hook on over the chassisbracket. In a drop and go bracket arrangement, the fuel system bracketmay be dropped over the chassis bracket to be initially engaged. Theupper rear walls 810 of the fuel system bracket may lie adjacent to thesides of the chassis bracket. The fuel system bracket may be wider thanthe chassis bracket, thereby permitting a portion of the chassis bracketto be inserted into the fuel system bracket. A lower surface 878 of thechassis bracket may be inserted into a portion of the fuel systembracket.

FIG. 8F shows a top view of a fuel system bracket 800 engaged with thechassis bracket 850. The fuel system bracket may have one or more holes820 a, 820 b, 820 c, 820 d, 820 e in its top surface. Optionally,protruding surfaces 870 from the chassis bracket may pass at leastpartially into the through-holes 820 a, 820 b. In some instances, thechassis bracket may have one or more underlying holes that may alignwith through-holes of the fuel system bracket 820 c, 820 d, 820 e.

FIG. 8G shows a side view of a separated fuel system bracket 800 and achassis bracket 850.

FIG. 8H shows a rear perspective view of a separate fuel system bracket800 and chassis bracket 850. The chassis bracket may include protrusions870 configured to hook into holes 820 a, 820 b of the fuel systembracket. The chassis bracket may include a lower surface 878 configuredto rest against an interior surface 845 of the fuel system bracket. Thecombination of the top interlock (between the holes and the protrusions)and the lower support (between the lower surface and interior surface)may be sufficient to keep the brackets engaged. The weight of the fuelsystem bracket and/or the attached vehicle fuel system may keep the fuelsystem bracket engaged with the chassis bracket.

In some embodiments various configurations of bracket portions may beused in order to permit a drop and go mounting of a fuel system on avehicle. The bracket portions may be configured to mate or interlockmechanically at one point, two points, three points or more points. Suchmating may occur via insertion of pins into cutouts/grooves, protrusionsinto indentations or holes, flanges into grooves, hook portions, or anymeeting of complementary shapes or features. In some instances, at leastone of the mating points may be at or near a top surface of the bracketportions. In some embodiments, the bracket portions may be engaged by abracket portion being attached to a fuel system being dropped downwardto a bracket portion being mounted on a vehicle chassis. A fuel systembracket may be dropped downward onto a chassis bracket. A rotationalmotion may also be required to cause the bracket portions to engage. Forexample, the fuel system bracket may come toward the chassis bracket atan angle, and then be turned slightly to settle into engagement.

Once mechanically engaged, the bracket portions may not translaterelative to one another without rotating with respect to one another,even if no fasteners are engaged at that point. The shape of the bracketinterlocks and/or the gravity of the fuel system may be sufficient tokeep the brackets together. Additional fasteners or components may beadded to assist with stability and longevity of the connection. In someembodiments, once the bracket portions are engaged, fewer than 10, 9, 8,7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 fasteners may be employed to affix the bracketportions relative to one another. Welding or soldering steps may not berequired.

FIG. 5 is a photograph of mounting of a fuel tank or system 510 using aplurality of drop and go brackets and one or more lift assist devices540. Each drop and go bracket may comprise a tank or system bracket 521and a chassis bracket 522. The chassis bracket 522 may be attached to aframe rail 501 (e.g., frame rail of a truck). The system bracket 521 maybe attached to the fuel tank or system 510. The tank bracket 521 may bedropped into place in the chassis bracket 522, and pins, protrusions,holding plates and or other connecting means may mate/connect togetherto lock the bracket in place. The brackets may then optionally beattached together with a single plate on top (not shown), as describedelsewhere herein.

The fuel tank or system 510 may be any fuel system described herein,including but not limited to a fuel tank housed in a cover, a fuel tankpartially housed in a cover or a fuel tank not housed in a cover. Forexample, the bracket 521 may be attached to the fuel tank 510 (e.g.,Diesel fuel tank, as shown in FIG. 5 , or an LNG tank), wherein the fueltank may or may not be housed in a cover. In another example, a CNG orLNG tank may be housed in a cover.

The fuel tank or system 510 may be attached to the bracket 521 via oneor more mating connectors or attachment members, such as mating,connecting or attachment members described elsewhere herein. Forexample, the bracket 521 may be secured to the fuel system via one ormore bolts, with corresponding apertures or connecting members providedon the bracket 521 and the system 510. In cases where the fuel systemcomprises a cover, the cover may be bolted to the system bracket 521. Insome cases where the fuel system does not comprise a cover, the fueltank may be bolted to the tank or system bracket 521. The members mayfurther include one or more straps 550, which may be used to attach thebracket 521 to the fuel tank 510. For example, the strap 550 may benon-rotatably secured to the tank 510, with the bracket 521 securelyattached to or integrally formed with the strap 550. In some cases, thefuel tank 510 may not be attached using the strap 550 but may use othermeans to connect the tank to structural mounting points, such as, forexample, in a case where the tank is supported at each end of the tank,with the weight supported on the tank boss or neck. The drop and gomounting may be used for mounting one or more neck mounts. For example,the fuel tank or system 510 may be neck mounted to the vehicle using oneor more drop and go brackets. One or more drop and go brackets may beused to mount the fuel tank or system 510 in one or more locations,including but not limited to the tank or system body, one or more ends,one or more necks and/or any other structural mounting points ormembers. The drop and go mounting may be facilitated by the lift assistdevices 540. The fuel tank 510 may be lifted and positioned by the liftassist devices 540 with gun turret-like construction required to liftthe tank assembly and drop it onto the chassis bracket 522. The drop andgo mounting may permit fuel systems to be mounted onto a vehicle withoutremoving the vehicle from an assembly line.

Regardless of fuel system used, the drop and go bracket may be accessedfrom one or more directions indicated in FIG. 5 . Access may be providedprior to, during, and after dropping the fuel system 510 with bracket521 onto the bracket 522. For example, the drop and go bracket may beaccessed from a top direction 570 a when the brackets 521 and 522 haveengaged in order to fasten connectors and/or to fasten the top plate.The fasteners may then be installed from the top direction 570 a outsidethe vehicle. In another example, access may be provided from the topdirection 570 a and/or a side direction 570 b during engagement of thebrackets 521, 522 to assure proper alignment during engagement. In someembodiments, access may be provided from the bottom direction 570 c. Insome embodiments, an impact wrench may be used to bolt fasteners on thedrop and go bracket, the bracket holding the fuel tank or system (e.g.,after engagement of brackets 521, 522, wherein the fuel tank or systemis held by the bracket to the frame 501). The drop and go bracket mayenable access from the top direction 570 a, the side direction 570 band/or the bottom direction 570 c. For example, when the fuel system 510is a CNG or LNG fuel system housed in a cover, the drop and go bracketmay enable top access 570 a in order to fasten connectors and/or performmounting tasks while the fuel system is held by the bracket. In anotherexample, a fuel tank, such as a Diesel fuel tank, may be held by thedrop and go bracket, and one or more access directions 570 a or 570 bmay be provided.

One or more belly straps 560 shown in FIG. 5 may or may not be used toprovide additional safety, independently of the drop and go brackets andlift assist devices.

The invention may offer significant advantages with respect to existingoptions for mounting fuel systems to vehicles, such as, for example, theinstallation of a fuel tank to a vehicle at original equipmentmanufacturer (OEM) factories. For example, the drop and go bracketdisclosed herein may be used by vehicle OEMs to install CNG or LNG tankson the production line, thereby reducing production time so that thetanks can be installed on the line instead of in a retrofit shop afterfinal vehicle assembly. Currently, side-mounted compressed gas tanks arerigidly mounted to the chassis in a complicated and lengthy procedurethat requires the vehicle be taken off of the assembly line to installthe tanks. This procedure can take hours. The drop and go bracket systemprovided herein can drastically reduce the installation time at OEMfactories (e.g., to a few minutes). Systems and methods provided hereinmay also be used for quick mounting of other frame mounted vehicleequipment, such as hydraulic tanks, battery boxes, tool boxes, etc.

The systems and methods herein may also be advantageously applied toenable reliable, rapid and safe mounting of vehicle fuel systems duringreplacement and/or retrofitting of existing vehicle fleets.

While preferable embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the artthat such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended thatthe following claims define the scope of the invention and that methodsand structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents becovered thereby.

1. (canceled)
 2. A vehicle equipment mounting system comprising: a firstbracket portion attachable to a vehicle chassis, wherein the firstbracket portion includes a bottom surface and a top surface; and asecond bracket portion attachable to a frame mountable vehicle equipmentcomprising a box for a battery, wherein the first bracket portion andthe second bracket portion are configured to be engaged at one or morepoints by meeting of complimentary features on the first bracket portionand the second bracket portion in order to mount the frame mountablevehicle equipment to the vehicle chassis, wherein the second bracketportion has an overhanging lip or an extension, and wherein the topsurface of the first bracket portion can contact an underside of theoverhanging lip or the extension of the second bracket portion.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the first bracket portion includes a groove,indentation, or hole into which a part of the second bracket portionslides.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein after the first bracketportion and the second bracket portion are connected to one another, thefirst bracket portion and the second bracket portion are separable fromone another via a combination of motions in both a lateral direction anda vertical direction, including rotation of the first bracket portionand the second bracket portion relative to one another.
 5. The system ofclaim 2, wherein one or more top openings on the second bracket portionalign with one or more top holes on the first bracket portion in usewhen the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion areengaged.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the second bracket portionincludes an interior surface configured to engage with the bottomsurface of the first bracket portion.
 7. The system of claim 6, whereinthe bottom surface of the first bracket portion and the interior surfaceof the second bracket portion have through-holes that align when thefirst bracket portion and the second bracket portion are engaged withone another.
 8. The system of claim 2, wherein the first bracket portionfurther comprises a cavity defined by a plurality of walls, adownwardly-extending portion, and an upwardly-oriented surface, whereinthe second bracket portion further comprises a receiving portion havinga cavity, wherein the downwardly-extending portion of the first bracketportion is configured to be received by the receiving portion of thesecond bracket portion.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein theupwardly-oriented surface of the first bracket portion is located abovethe downwardly-extending portion.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein theupwardly-oriented surface of the first bracket portion is configured tosupport at least a portion of a weight of the second bracket portionwhen the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion areengaged.
 11. The system of claim 2, wherein one or more first aperturesof the first bracket portion and one or more second apertures of thesecond bracket portion are aligned when the first bracket portion andthe second bracket portion are engaged, and wherein the one or morefirst apertures and the one or more second apertures are configured toreceive respective one or more fasteners to secure the first bracketportion to the second bracket portion.
 12. The system of claim 2,wherein the first bracket portion includes a first plurality of verticalside walls, the second bracket portion includes a second plurality ofvertical side walls, and the second plurality of vertical side wallscover at least a portion of the first plurality of vertical side wallswhen the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion areengaged.
 13. The system of claim 2, wherein the first bracket portionincludes one or more protrusions at the top surface, and wherein thesecond bracket portion includes one or more holes or indentationsconfigured to accept the one or more protrusions from the first bracketportion.